Give Your Home a First Impression With Quality Windows and Doors From London Window and Door
Make sure your home gets a great first impression that will last with the highest quality windows and doors from London windows and doors. Visit our showrooms in Dorchester, Woodstock Ingersoll, and St Marys for the perfect solution for your home.
Stile and rail are horizontal and vertical members that hold glass within a window or door frame.
Frames
Frames are a crucial part of the appearance of windows, regardless of whether you have an old cottage or a brand-new construction. The right frame material for your property is crucial since it has an immediate influence on how your window performs and lasts for and, ultimately, how much your home is worth.
There are a variety of types of frames you can choose from: uPVC frames, aluminium and timber. The most popular option is uPVC because of its low maintenance and energy efficiency. It comes in a range of colours and is available with a wood effect finish to give a more classic look. It is also durable against the elements and requires minimal maintenance, other than cleaning. If you live in a location which is exposed to extreme weather, uPVC may not be the best option.
Aluminium is another good choice for frames as it is sturdy and has a sleek design that is perfect for modern homes. It is lightweight and can be finished in any color of RAL to match the design of your house. double glazing repair london is not as efficient as uPVC but it is a great alternative if you're looking for greener options.
Steel is a fantastic option for older buildings as it can be powder-coated to match bricks or stones. However, the problem with traditional slim steel frames is that they are not thermally broken so they aren't able to withstand the cold. The 21st century has finally caught up to this and now it's possible to have a sleek steel frame that offers impressive thermal break performance.
Timber is a gorgeous material for any property, but its cost is higher than other materials. It is a stunning material and, if properly cared for, will last a lifetime. It is crucial to choose an appropriately rated hardwood for your frames, as not all woods are created in the same way. A poor quality timber could cause premature degradation and rot and moisture intrusion that can damage your window sashes and cills.
Sashes
Many period properties have Sash windows. They are easily identifiable and effortlessly stylish, with a stunning timeless design that has stood the test of time. There are many advantages to sash windows for your home, and they've gained popularity over the years due to their aesthetic and practical benefits.
A sash window is a vertically sliding window with two glazed panels that can be opened for ventilation, looking out, and the list goes on. The system of pulleys hidden in the frame helps in the opening and closing of sliding windows. These pulleys rarely break and the fact they are contained with the window makes fixing them is simple and affordable.
During the Georgian period, sash windows were more popular since they let in more light to narrow streets and cottages. Sash windows were made with their glass panes evenly split to make them more affordable. The technology was not yet advanced enough to allow for larger panes to be produced consistently.
There are a variety of sash windows that are that are available, but the traditional box sash is one of the most popular. These windows are a great option for those who wish to retain the appearance and feel of a traditional home, but with modern conveniences such as draught seals and security locks.
Sash windows can be double or single-hung depending on the type of design and frame. A single-hung sash has an opening at the bottom of the panel by sliding up, while double-hung sash comes with an upper and lower panel that opens by sliding horizontally across the other.
You should consult an expert in window design to determine which kind of sash window is best for you. For example Sash windows are able to be fitted with a range of hardware, such as sash chains and sash lifts which allow you to operate the windows when they are opened. A sash is able to be fitted with a staff bar, that holds the sash place and prevents them from being pushed by winds or draughts.
Cills
Cills can be easily fixed by carefully removing rotten wood and re-inserting new timber. These should be shaped to ensure maximum strength, while also preserving as much historic fabric as possible. A drip should also be incorporated to direct water away from the bottom of the window.
Oak was only used for the most luxurious homes or the first examples. It is therefore important that the cills used for new windows are sourced from this material and thoroughly primed, painted and then incorporated with drip.
Small areas of loss and deterioration can be repaired with resin-based fillers that are mixed with a wood dust or timber consolidant. This is a cost-effective method to maximise the amount of historic fabric that remains in the repair. This technique can also be extremely effective in creating excellent frames for damaged sash where the damage has occurred as a result of poor maintenance.
Glass
The glass is often the most important part of a door or window. It can be clear or tinted and can add to the architectural value of the structure. It also can provide significant energy savings by decreasing solar radiation. Tempered glass is treated to withstand greater forces than normal on its surface. It breaks down into smaller pieces rather than breaking into splinters and minimizes the risk of flying fragments.
Historic glass should be protected during repairs, and extreme care should be taken to protect it from damage caused by accident. Historic sash windows may contain crown glass (a kind of flat glass with air bubbles or curving ridging) or cylinder glass which gives depth and character to an exterior. Both types are rarely manufactured therefore original pieces are extremely valuable and should be kept in situ as often as feasible. Glass must be protected from paint strippers and chemical paint removers that can cause it to break or crack. The putty on wooden frames should be repaired and renewed carefully.
The use of resin-based repair solutions can be used to remove loose paint and rust from surfaces without damaging the profile or surface finish of the wood or its putty. These can also be used to fix many other minor problems including decay, rot, structural movement distortion, and deformation.
Sash windows are fixed windows that the sash opens and closes on pivots either at the top or bottom or on each side. This type of window is typically more attractive than operable windows and often contains transom.
Casement windows are windows that can be opened and closed using hinges on the sides or on an mullion that is between. This type of window can be found in older houses, and is often used in conjunction with a fixed panel or wing to create a Bay Window.
Simulated divided-lites - A grille or grid that looks like it has separate panes that are separated by muntins but is actually made up of larger lites and muntins between them. This gives the appearance of a variety of smaller window units.